GLENN TURNER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY

Hockey Australia today congratulates Glenn Turner after he announced his retirement from international Hockey effective immediately.

Bowral-born forward Turner enjoyed a decorated career with Australia, competing at two Olympic Games, including winning an Olympic bronze as well as two World Cup titles.

The 34-year-old debuted for the Kookaburras in May 2009 against France and last represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Turner retires with a sensational goal ratio, having netted 96 times in 136 appearances in green and gold, including a memorable goal in the 2014 World Cup final triumph. He also scored seven Olympic goals.

Along with his two World Cup titles (2010, 2014) and Olympic bronze from the 2012 London Games, Turner also won a Commonwealth Games gold medal (2010), two Champions Trophies (2010, 2016), one World League Final (2014-15) and four Oceania Cups (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015).

Turner said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hockey Australia. To be able to represent my country is something I am honoured to have the privilege of doing and something I am very grateful for.

“Being around as long as I have I have a lot people to thank. Thanks to Hockey ACT and ACTAS for everything in helping me become a better player. A few of my favourite memories are playing with some of my best mates for the Lakers.

“My physios Suzie Goodall and Ellen Hawes for keeping on the field I know this was a tough job at times. My coaches include Phil Jorgenson, Warwick Hotchkis, Ian Rutledge, Terry Evans, Mark Hager, Ben Bishop and Graham Reid.

“A special mention Anthony Farry who had a lot to do with my junior representative coaching and also my club coach at a time when I was growing up. He was someone I looked up to.

“Ric Charlesworth gave me a second chance and challenged me to be the best player that I could be.

“Obviously I couldn’t have done it without my family. They were and still are my backbone. All the travel and sacrifices mum and dad had to make throughout my juniors and even sometimes now.

“My wife Rebecca has had to do a lot of work and also make sacrifices while staying home working and looking after our family while I travelled and lived away from home for months at a time. I can’t even put in to words how grateful I am for this.

“My grandparents for following me around the world and their continued support. My extended family and friends for all their support and encouragement it means a lot and helped a lot as well.

“To the people who fostered me in Perth. Kizza, the Burgers family, Uncle Rob and Aunty Gail, Dianne and a special thanks to my Perth family the Heaths. My team mates and everyone else I have met through this great game.

“I wish Hockey Australia all the success in the future and look forward to watching from the sidelines.”

Hockey Australia High Performance Director Toni Cumpston said: “We congratulate Glenn on a long and successful career for the Kookaburras with many major achievements.

“GT was heavily involved in a decorated period for the Kookaburras and will go down as an Olympic medal winner, two-time Olympian and two-time World Cup winner, along with many other honours. His goals-per-game ratio will long be one of the best in Australian Hockey.

“On behalf of everyone at Hockey Australia, we wish Glenn and his family all the best in the future and thank him for his service.”